Mills belt. Real or Memorex?

[Deadeye Don]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Blue-Mills-Belt-with-Double-Loops-NR_W0QQitemZ260260621218QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item260260621218&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318

In general, how does one go about knowing if this is original or a modern made belt made to look old?

[St. George]

In short, get to look at and handle as much authentic gear as humanly possible.

There's a 'feel' and a 'look' to authentic equipment and associated militaria that comes with handling it.

You can't achieve that by looking at photos - but photos do help, and money spent on reference materials is money well-spent.

Find out who might be a serious collector in your area, and ask him for his help and his opinion.

In general, serious guys appreciate other serious guys and are willing to help newcomers, and they'll happy to show their stuff off.

On the other hand, there are 'closet collectors' who won't share any information whatsoever, so find out who's respected.

The answer to your other burning question is that the ebay piece 'is' real, though somewhat sun and rain-faded, as are many you'll encounter...

A good, clean 100-round Krag belt will bring that asking price, 'plus' - so watch and see how the auction unfolds.

Should you buy and use it?

Your money - your call - but there's not a whole helluva lot of those 100-round belts floating around, and depending upon how they were treated and stored, some are getting pretty tired, though their outward appearance belies that fact.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Deadeye Don]

St. George.  Thank you for the information.  Have you seen many 1896 belts with the 6 loops for the 38 colt on the belt as well as the loops for the Krag?

[St. George]

Sure, but remember - I've been collecting/dealing for a long time, and I've specialized more in the era than some have.

Today, they're not as commonly seen - but then, no 'good' military gear is.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!